Archive for
January, 2011

One of the biggest challenges for those of us who have had acne for years is how to hide acne scars. Even if you were good about keeping your hands away from your face and not picking, you probably have some dark spots that you’d like to conceal. If you have, or have had, more severe acne, you may have even more to cover. The following is one of the better tutorials I’ve seen on how to use makeup to hide acne scars. The presenter, Kelli LaBar, is an aesthetician and makeup artist from Ulta Salon.

Kelli recommends using a 2% hydroquinone solution to help lighten scars over time. For a professional strength treatment, I would suggest using HQ+ Gel Peel, 30ml (Professional), which is quite a strong solution. This particular product has Free Shipping from Amazon.

Finally, Kelli uses a concealer stick to dab and roll onto the scars to conceal them. No rubbing! My favorite concealer for acne scars is not a stick at all, but Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer. Be careful though, a little goes a long way.

Don’t forget the sunscreen before you put makeup on. Mineral makeup alone won’t be enough when your skin is sensitive after a peel. You need something extra, extra strong. A good recommendation is Eltamd UV Physical SPF 41, 85-Gram. I like the Elta MD sunscreen since they are physical sunscreens that are great for sensitive skin. They even have a Clear one that’s good for acne.

All of the recommended products are from Amazon and have their Free Shipping available.

Good luck and let me know how it goes!

Note: These are my affiliate links, but that doesn’t mean you pay more. It just means I’ve looked around to try to find the best deals and free shipping.

Just as you think you can breathe a sigh of relief from the oily skin of summer, you have to start battling winter and the resulting dry skin. Acne, however, doesn’t seem to understand that it’s supposed to disappear now! All because you skin hasn’t gotten a little drier doesn’t mean your acne has gone away. In fact, it can be more difficult than ever to clear up or keep your skin clear of zits when it is already dry.

As the cold winter air dries up my skin, I have started pulling out the big guns for moisture. The ultra light lotions are back in the drawer and I have just been trying out a new moisturizer these past two weeks. With sensitive skin, it has to be something really gentle and pure. Boscia Recharging Night Moisture has been working great, without any breakouts at all. I even add a little of my favorite Clinique Moisture Surge on top if I feel exceptionally dry.

Normally, I shy away from anything that has the word “night” in its name. To me, that means heavy and greasy. However, I discovered that the Boscia Recharging Night Moisture isn’t that different from the day one. It just doesn’t have any sunscreen in it. For those of us who break out from chemical sunscreens, this is a godsend. Sunscreen is essential, but the physical barrier ones, like titanium dioxide or zinc, are far more gentle and less likely to irritate your skin. I’m actually surprised that Boscia, an all natural brand, has chemical sunscreen in their day moisturizer. Needless to say, I’m sticking with the nighttime moisturizer.

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, I take all these miracle descriptions with a grain of salt. The proof is in the results on your own skin, not 100 other people. For me, this moisturizer has been fantastic. No more flakiness, no extra oiliness from a rich moisturizer, and even my fine lines are disappearing! Even more important? No pimples!

Ulta carries it online and always has a Free Shipping coupon code listed at the top of the site.

SkinStore.com is always one of my favorite places for skin care. They seem to consistently have 2 or 3 deals going on at any one time. I just checked now and they have 10% off for friends and family, free shipping over $49, and 15% off plus a free gift for over $79.

My advice is to go to SkinStore.com and take advantage of their latest deals. However, if you have an Ulta store near you, buy from them online (using their free shipping). Then you can always return it to the store if you have a problem.

Good luck and let’s hope this weather starts warming up soon. Just too much snow around here in the Northeast!

Sharyn

P.S. It’s now been three weeks and my flakiness has gone away with no more breakouts. So far, so good.

This is a guest post by Charlotte J Bleasdale. Charlotte writes for Feel Good Essentials, which is sells a range of health and beauty products online in the UK.

For many women foundation, or base, is an everyday essential and for even more it’s a must for when they get blemishes or need a little extra boost. But ensuring you have the right foundation is essential or you could get a covering that doesn’t suit your skin type or shade. This guide should help highlight the main features of different types of foundation and what kind to use for your skin type.

Liquid (water or oil based)

A liquid foundation is extremely popular and versatile. You can choose from both water and oil based varieties with water based being best for oilier skin and oil based for those with dryer skin. The coverage of a liquid is completely reliant on how much you use which makes it great for anyone who wants versatility.

Creams

Creams are a fabulous choice for anyone with dry skin. The creamy texture gives a relatively thick coverage eliminating the need for concealer. Cream base gives a moisturised, dewy effect but because they’re so moisturising they should not be used on combination skin.

Mousse

A current trend is the mousse foundation. Mousse or foam foundations give very light coverage. The advantage of this is that you don’t feel it on your skin, but unfortunately it only gives a very light coverage. If you’ve got relatively good skin that just needs evening out a little mousse could be perfect for you!

Liquid to powder

Cream foundations that become a powder once applied are ideal for people with oily skin. The powdery texture will absorb excess oil but the liquid starting point makes it easy to apply. This variety lasts really well and gives a nice, even coverage.

Mineral make up

Mineral make up is the latest craze. Mineral make up is ideal for those with sensitive skin as it is hypoallergenic. It’s also easy to build up your desired coverage with a mineral powder – just apply with a large brush.

Tinted moisturiser

A moisturiser with foundation or tinted moisturiser is perfect if you want light coverage that’s good for your skin. Tinted moisturisers are a good starting point for teenage girls and work best on dry skin. You’ll get a light, coverage that leaves your skin feeling smooth.

Choosing your favourite foundation should be based on your skin type, skin shade, favourite feel and look and favourite application technique. If you find one you like for all the categories then it’s worth getting the two shades either side of your usual colour. That way if you have a tan or notice any changes in your skin tone you can mix your colour until it is just right!

If you are U.S based and looking for a variety of makeup foundations for oily, dry or sensitive skin, be sure to check out our Makeup Store. You can search there for any type of foundation, concealer or other makeup for your skin type.